Assistant Unit Director - Med/Surg ICU

Job Function Summary:

Involved in ensuring optimal patient outcomes through effective leadership and / or provision of patient care delivery in assigned nursing unit(s) or area(s). Promotes environment for a shared voice in nursing practice and exchange of ideas to continually improve nursing and patient care outcomes. Accountable for the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. Consults and collaborates with other health care professionals to coordinate the management of patient care. Serves as a resource to staff, physicians, students and others.

Generic Scope

Provides direct supervision typically to professionals or skilled technical employees. Functions as advisor to unit and administration. Analyzes and resolves problems, interprets policies (e.g., fiscal management, HR, contracts and grants, resource management in defined areas) and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Supervises staff to assure accountability and stewardship of department resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives.

Custom Scope

Supervises staff involved in providing clinical patient care. Assists in ensuring the quality of patient care delivery in a specific patient care area and serves as a role model for professional nursing practice. Assists with the administration and management of personnel, fiscal, and material resources. May assume full responsibility for the unit in delegated areas and in the absence of the manager.

Department Operations and Clinical Oversight

• Supervises and coordinates department operations, resolves system issues, advises on work methods, manages scheduling based on patient census and acuity, and ensures compliance with internal procedures and external regulations.
• Serves as a resource to nursing staff on patient care clinical issues, new policies, and technology.
• Keeps staff informed of changes in policies, procedures and external regulations.
• Monitors services provided by support departments and collaborates to improve utilization and efficiency.

Staff Management and Development

• Evaluates subordinate staff and participates in decision-making on hiring, salary actions, terminations, performance ratings, and other human resources matters.
• Orients new employees to nursing responsibilities within the practice.
• Promotes a climate of effective teamwork, communication and collaboration.
• Encourages and assists staff in meeting professional goals.
• Uses standard practice evaluation tools to identify areas for growth.
• Consults with nurse leaders and educators on developing strategies for performance improvement.

Financial and Operational Management

• Understands unit financial goals and educates staff regarding cost-containment strategies.
• Maintains unit expenses within budget.
• Communicates regularly with management on unit activities and on pertinent operational or human resources issues.

Patient Care Coordination and Partnerships

• Responds to community or health system partners to facilitate delivery of patient care services.
• Involves physicians, staff and other healthcare team members in the development of plans to manage patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
• Promotes a positive patient experience through service recovery as needed, across the nursing unit.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of directly related experience in the Acute Care Units/Progressive Care/and or Intensive Care Unit combined.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
• Projects a calm, reassuring and confident manner and promotes a cohesive team environment.
• Consistently achieves high standards in clinical duties and holds self to same standards as others are held to.
• Makes decisions in the best interest of the patient and staff. Consistently uses good judgment in making decisions.
• Effectively listens and communicates to peers both positive and constructive feedback.
• Able to admit fault and acknowledge others' position without becoming defensive.
• Consistently identifies opportunities to improve unit performance and takes action to implement ideas.
• Develops rapport with patients and patients' families.
• Able to recognize (or bring attention to) peers' accomplishments.
• Maintains positive attitude towards unit and work, helping to build unit's positive reputation.
• Develops skills in coaching and assisting staff including: developing a plan of care including setting goals, monitoring and documenting progress; implementing interventions that are pertinent to goals established in the plan of care; evaluating the effectiveness of interventions toward the attainment of established goals; and recognizing the need to reassess or reset goal parameter.
• Ability to model and influence patient care best practices to staff members.
• Handles escalated patient or staff issues and provides input and suggestions for resolving any problems.
• Has flexibility to function across system.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of directly related experience in the Acute Care Units/Progressive Care/and or Intensive Care Unit combined.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
• Projects a calm, reassuring and confident manner and promotes a cohesive team environment.
• Consistently achieves high standards in clinical duties and holds self to same standards as others are held to.
• Makes decisions in the best interest of the patient and staff. Consistently uses good judgment in making decisions.
• Effectively listens and communicates to peers both positive and constructive feedback.
• Able to admit fault and acknowledge others' position without becoming defensive.
• Consistently identifies opportunities to improve unit performance and takes action to implement ideas.
• Develops rapport with patients and patients' families.
• Able to recognize (or bring attention to) peers' accomplishments.
• Maintains positive attitude towards unit and work, helping to build unit's positive reputation.
• Develops skills in coaching and assisting staff including: developing a plan of care including setting goals, monitoring and documenting progress; implementing interventions that are pertinent to goals established in the plan of care; evaluating the effectiveness of interventions toward the attainment of established goals; and recognizing the need to reassess or reset goal parameter.
• Ability to model and influence patient care best practices to staff members.
• Handles escalated patient or staff issues and provides input and suggestions for resolving any problems.
• Has flexibility to function across system.